The Baylands Training Program is designed to provide your child with the best possible first-time racer experience and to present them with the best opportunity to begin a successful quarter midget racing career.

Once you are assigned a training night, the Baylands Training Coordinator will describe the program to you and answer all your questions regarding our training program. They will introduce you to the two trainers assigned to your child and provide you with their contact information.

Our training program consists of 3-6 two-hour sessions. Each child picks up driving skills at different rates mostly based on their age and background. The training is quite intense and provides extensive training for your child designed to prepare them for racing with other children.

Baylands has race cars, a comprehensive set of helmets, jackets, gloves, neck braces and arm restraints. All you need to provide is a pair of jeans and closed toe shoes. If you have your own equipment, you are encouraged to use it. But please check with your trainers to verify that it meets QMA’s safety requirements. To see what the current QMA safety standards are go to www.quartermidgets.org.

There are typically four sessions as outlined below. Please remember that each child progresses at their own pace and the trainers will continually match the challenge to their skill level.

Introduction and registration

Oral and demonstrative session of flags and hand signals

Oral session on Track and Pit area safety practices

Track walk

Practice session, one car at a time, with pylons to form pattern

Get the comfortable with the other children who are training with them

Second Session

Review of flags and hand signals

Oral session of safety equipment, Driver’s responsibility towards helmet, safety belts, neck collar, gloves, etc. Let them know they are in charge

Review and Practice pattern

Flag exercise... use of various flags while car is in motion

Test reactions to sudden hazards on track as described by the instructor or set by example of experienced drivers

Describe passing, have experienced driver on hand to play passing game with

Review previous lessons: Flags, hand signals, safety equipment, passing, etc.

Explain form-up flags, procedure, and how to switch positions

1. Cover the role the "pole car" plays in setting the pace
2. Describe how the "outside car" must speed up a bit in corners
3. Explain the re-start, how to find your position again

Practice form-up and switching positions

Practice safety procedures on track and pit area, procedures for leaving the track after a practice session and during a program

Explain and practice qualifying procedures (if processing). Use of stop watch helps for realism

Review and practice all previous sessions: form-up, switching positions, exiting procedures, qualifying, etc.

Have a 10-15 lap race with other experienced drivers (always letting the graduating student be the one to carry the checkered flag at the finish of the race)

Graduation and presentation of Certificate and Trophy

The program has been designed to ensure that each child has the best possible training experience, even if they eventually decide that racing isn’t for them. But who knows, they could be like other kids who have raced at Baylands... kids like Jeff Gordon, Mike Bliss and Jimmy Vasser.